DIVORCE CASE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9934, 24 August 1910, Page 3

DIVORCE CASE.

[Pra Prkss Association - .]

PALMERSTON N., August 24. In the Supreme Court yesterday, liefore Mr Justice Coo]>er and a jury of twelve, Charles J. Little, of Feilding, applied for a divorce from Margaret Little, for alleged adultery with F. Y. Lfethbridge, of Feilding. Damages to the amount of £SOO were claimed. Mr H. G. Moore appeared for the petitioner, Mr H. R, Cooper for the respondent, and Mr A. L. Herdman for the co-respondent. The case for the petitioner was that about five years ago he had protested against co-respondent visiting his wife. He and his wife were eventually separated. the wife receiving - £1 a week. Shortly afterwards she had gone to England. On her return they had again lived together, and 011 the night of Juno 26 Little and two otlmr men had seen Lethbridge enter petitioner'# homo and go into the drawing-room, which was in darkness. Petitioner and his companions had then gone In and confronted Lethbridge.

Evidence for the petitioner was given bv Little, Bates (private inquiry agent), Knvvett and Miss Avery, lady-help at Little's. The respondent's "case was that tho whole thing arose out of a visit paid by tlio co-respondent to Mrs Little, at the latter's request, to discuss money matters in respect to a loan advanced by the co-resoondent to her some years previously when she had been liard-up. Mr H. R. Cooper said that co-respon-dent had the reputation of being generous to oeonle in trouble, and had assisted the Littles monetarily. Life in the Littles' ■ house was a hell upon earth, owing to Little's drunkenness. Respondent in evidence said that her life was a miserable one, lier husband being a drunkard.